As summer approaches, people's demand for sunscreen becomes more and more urgent. Different sunscreen products flood the market, but the ingredients of these products often confuse consumers. Today we'll take a closer look at the role of sunscreen ingredients and help you choose the most appropriate product to protect your skin.
Sunscreen products are mainly divided into two categories: physical sunscreen (mineral sunscreen) and chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which can effectively reflect and refract ultraviolet rays; chemical sunscreens use various organic compounds that mainly provide protection by absorbing ultraviolet rays.
"Today, the choice of sunscreen ingredients is not only for beauty, but also for health."
Physical sunscreen products are widely praised for their safety and immediate effects. Especially for users with sensitive skin, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less irritating and are often recommended. Additionally, these ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB.
The main ingredients of chemical sunscreen products include avobenzone, octocrylene, etc. These organic ingredients can effectively absorb ultraviolet rays in the sun and convert them into heat for release. However, certain chemical ingredients have become controversial in recent years, criticized for possible long-term effects on the environment or health. For example, certain organic sunscreens have been banned in parts of Hawaii and Thailand because of their potential harm to marine ecosystems.
Some brands have begun to launch hybrid products that combine physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. This product is designed to take into account the advantages of both and provide more comprehensive protection. "This means you don't have to choose between physics and chemistry, modern products can take advantage of the properties of both," said one dermatologist.
According to the latest guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recognized as safe and effective sunscreens. Other ingredients have been put on watch lists due to safety concerns, and some have even been banned. With in-depth research on sunscreen ingredients, consumers are increasingly concerned about whether the products they use will cause harm to the body.
"Sun protection is not only a decoration, but also a health investment."
When choosing sunscreen products, consumers should consider multiple factors, including their skin type, activity level, and whether they have been exposed to the sun for a long time. For people who love sports, it is undoubtedly more important to choose water-based or long-lasting sunscreen products, while users with sensitive skin should prefer physical sunscreens with simple ingredients and low allergy.
Based on the advantages and disadvantages of various sunscreen ingredients, we can see that considerations of skin and the environment should become important criteria for us to choose sunscreen products. And the next time you use sunscreen, what factors will you consider to ensure your skin is healthy?